Chelsea could name Xabi Alonso as new manager NEXT WEEK as talks accelerate
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SportFootballXabi AlonsoChelsea are closing in on appointing Liam Rosenior's permanent successor, with Xabi Alonso emerging as the frontrunner while interim manager Calum McFarlane leads them into the FA Cup finalChelsea hope to confirm Xabi Alonso as their new manager as soon as NEXT WEEK after stepping up their pursuit of the former Liverpool star. Alonso, 44, has been out of work since January, having been sacked by Real Madrid following a tumultuous seven-month spell in charge at the Bernabeu.The Spaniard previously managed Bayer Leverkusen, where he oversaw a remarkable unbeaten season and ended Bayern Munich's 11-year stronghold on the Bundesliga title as well as winning the German cup.After making checks on the likes of Andoni Iraola and Marco Silva, Chelsea believe that Alonso is the right man to succeed interim boss Calum McFarlane, who'll be in charge for Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City.According to The Telegraph, Chelsea want to finalise Alonso's appointment within days of the final, and there's optimism that the ex-Madrid and Leverkusen manager may be willing to join.
Alonso is viewed as the standout candidate to become Liam Rosenior's permanent successor, with the Blues looking for a new manager for the fifth time in four years.WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition todayREAD MORE: Paddy Power offer: Get 50/1 odds on a goal to be scored in Chelsea vs Man City FA Cup finalREAD MORE: Chelsea's new manager handed perfect first signing...and it won't cost a pennyThe 44-year-old has also been linked with the Liverpool job which could become available if Arne Slot is sacked. That may be a masterstroke next season by not listening to the pressure of the supporters and sticking with the manager (Slot) who's already won the Premier League."As for McFarlane's verdict on Alonso, he said: "There's a lot of names linked with the job."It's not really my place to say who should get it, or who's a good manager, who's not a good manager.
My job is to prepare the team for Saturday and that’s all I'll be focusing on."Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.